Welcome to my Marin County real estate market report for September 2018, with the latest information and charts on the home buying and selling scene here in Marin. As I look back on the numbers for August, most of what I see is the typical summer slowdown. Without fail I have agents give me “big eyes” in August every year and ask me if I think the market is finally slowing. “It’s August, let’s wait for September / October” I always say, and without fail the fall mini-season is a busy one.

Having said that, we do continue to see a noticeable trend as we look over the summer and even back to spring: far fewer homes are coming onto the market than in prior years. New listings decreased 39.4% versus the same month last year. And as I recall, 2017 was down versus 2016. This is a national phenomenon – and driven by many factors. Here in Marin it’s a self-fulfilling prophecy as fewer homes on the market make it harder for people to find new homes which means they are more hesitant about selling their current homes. Having said that, as I type this there are a whopping 227 open houses this weekend in Marin — so buyers do have some great properties to choose from (more on that below!).

The Fall Marin Real Estate Season: Ready, Set, GO!

As I said last month, “The weeks after labor day are traditionally very busy in the Marin real estate market, with an inventory surge that is second only to the spring season. However this surge slows in November as people begin to prepare for the holidays and the winter months. It is a great time for Marin County home buyers to look, however, as there is less competition than in spring.” The Tuesday after Labor Day alone we saw 52 (!) homes come on the market — in one day. One agent joked she needed to rent a helicopter to see all the brokers’ open houses this week. That is an encouraging sign for a healthy fall and great for buyers who have been waiting for more selection.

I’m Never Too Busy For You

I have quite a few exciting listings in my pipeline coming soon. This week I just launched 4 Hillside Avenue in Kentfield, pictured at the top of this article. It’s a beautiful sunny home, great school district, walk-to-town, and even features a bedroom / in-law unit on the first level with a separate entrance. Several agents at my brokers’ open today remarked it would be great for a family with children and grandparents to care for.

Also launching this month is my San Anselmo Barber Tract estate, another walk-to-town home that has been completely remodeled. This gated estate is a two-story historic Craftsman, with two guest houses, beautiful gardens, and a large swimming pool. It has been ripped down to the studs and remodeled over the summer, and I have been working with the owner to select beautiful tiles, flooring, light fixtures and finishes for this home. I am beyond excited about this listing.

You will only hear about 4 Tilden Circle in San Rafael here — it’s one of my pocket listings. Also launching this month is 4 Warren’s Way in Tiburon — spectacular views, remodeled throughout, separate guest / in-law suite — this home has it all.

Please keep an eye on My Featured Listings page or call me for details on homes coming soon or being held as pocket listings. Whether you are a buyer, a seller, or just want to learn more about the market for a potential future move, I am always happy to talk about the Marin real estate market.

These market reports are a great place to start — but let’s continue the conversation. Call me at 415-847-5584 and I can provide you with a personalized market overview tailored to your specific situation. To those who read this report, thank you for all your support of my business. I couldn’t do it without you.